If you’ve ever searched for work online, you’ve probably gone through the tedious job of bidding for projects. Whether you’re using Elance, Online Writing Jobs, ScriptLance, iFreelance, or GetAFreelancer - it doesn’t matter. But if you aren’t putting in the effort to make your bids recognizable, then you’re losing out on a lot of projects that could have been yours.

Here are seven ingredients that you should always include in your bid:

1. Respectful Greeting - Everybody likes to be greeted in a respectful manner. If they have given their name then you should always use it (ex. “Hi Chris,”). It’s amazing how often this simple step is missed. It’s such an easy thing to do and it makes a world of difference.
2. Credentials/Experience - In order to win a bid you need to prove that you are capable. If you have a degree that relates to the project then you should mention it. If you have a lot of experience in the type of work that is requested then you should portray yourself as an expert. If you don’t have any education or experience in the matter then say so, but explain why you think you are capable (ex. “I may not have a degree in English or a whole lot of experience in this type of work, but I have read a lot and am able to offer you unsurpassed attention, dedication, and value).
3. Benefit Statement - Don’t rely on your education or experience to carry you, the buyer still wants to hear exactly how you will benefit them. Be specific in explaining the added benefits that you are able to offer. If you have something that you can do better than most people then you should mention it.
4. Explained Rate - Some bidding websites let you see other people’s bids while other don’t. Don’t worry about the other bids, simply offer your rate…but always emphasize the value behind it. Some people might be bidding $50 for a 5 page sales letter. We all know that you can’t get a 5 page sales letter finished at that price. So explain your rate! Discuss the amount of time that you’re estimating it will take and the quality that they will receive in the end.
5. Guarantee/Promise - This is a risk removal tactic that always improves your chances of winning a bid. You should always guarantee error-free work and promise a number of re-edits to ensure complete satisfaction. By doing this you immediately take down any concerns they may have around quality.
6. Offer for Open Communication - People like to have open communication. By offering constant communication throughout the entirety of the project, they will feel like you are somebody they can trust. There are a number of ways to do this. I tend to briefly explain that an email never passes through my inbox without being responded to within 24 hours.
7. Samples - Always include samples of your work if they are similar to what the project is asking for. By doing this you will prove that you are a capable candidate and give them a glimpse of what to expect. However, you must ALWAYS ensure that your samples are error-free!

*Note: In everything you do, make sure that you are coming across as confident but NEVER arrogant. Arrogance is a sure turn off and an immediate way of erasing any chance you have at winning a project.

Writing a bid for a project is a lot like writing a sales letter, but instead of selling a product or service you’re selling yourself - and the person reading your sales letter most likely has another dozen or so sales letters that are also offering the same benefits.

You aren’t going to win a lot of projects if you don’t set your bid up correctly. It’s your job to position yourself as the bid that will provide them with the most bang for their buck. You don’t necessarily need to offer the lowest bid, but you do need to offer the best perceived value.

Always remember that you won’t win them all. But much like a sales letter, if you can always work on improving your conversion rates then you will certainly make more money in the long run. Good luck and happy bidding!

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